The Mason Jar series by Eli Pope was suggested to me a few months ago and I quickly finished the first book, The Judgment Game, and began to devour the next title in the series, The Spark of Wrath. 5 books in and here is what I thought about the series overall and what the author revealed to me about his books, writing process, and what the future holds in upcoming novels by Eli Pope.
What is the Mason Jar Series?
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The Mason Jar Series is a fictional Psychological Thriller novel set in the 1980’s that follows the story of Billy Jay Cader and his dysfunctional upbring and the inevitable descent into a life of doling out a vicious justice to those he believes are deserving. Billy Jay has a horrible homelife, his father is violent and abusive, and his mother is dying. After running away, he finds kindness in a stranger. Soon, however, he is wrongfully convicted of her murder. Still a child, Billy Jay is brutalized in prison, and this takes him down a path of evil hate filled rage.
Each book reveals more of the depraved acts that Billy Jay is capable of. At times you think that Billy Jay might just make some changes for the better, but it seems this character gets far too much pleasure out of punishing people he encounters.
As the series progresses, and more people become entwined in Billy Jays story, you begin to realize he may not be the most disturbing character in this series. Webs of lies, secrets, and vile deceptions begin to surface in the world created by Pope, as characters true natures are revealed throughout the series.
My Opinion and Review of the Series
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Admittedly, Pope tells us the first book isn’t as refined as the rest in the series. To me, however, it’s more of a long-form novel. Even Stephen King writes this way with plenty of details and background information. The first novel in the series does show up a little unrefined, but nothing too difficult to get through. As the stories progress, the writing smooths out and the story line moves faster.
What I enjoyed the most about this series so far, is that while the books all involve Billy Jay Cader, the third person POV gives the reader an opportunity to get inside everyone’s heads and discover the dark secrets lurking there. Each book leaves you ready to reach for the next one. The next one opens more doors containing closets, basements, and drawers full of secrets that should have remained locked, which leave you wondering what will the fate be for these villains and their victims?
Author Interview
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What does Eli Pope want to tell us about himself, his inspiration, and his personal writing process? “I knew in high school I wanted to be a writer.” says Pope “I had a fabulous creative writing teacher, Mrs. Warren.” His teacher would provide magazine clippings and encourage her students to use the images to spark creativity by imagining stories about them. What a fun way to learn, I wish I had a teacher like that!
When asked about his writing process, Pope did not disappoint: “The tiniest thing can come into my peripheral and spark a thought that demands more focus. A homeless guy on the corner, an older woman sitting sipping coffee by herself in a small-town diner. I don’t know, things just tend to “pop” for me in my head.”
Eli Pope was a little shy about his answer regarding which of his own books were his favorite: “I hate to answer this because I’ll come off as boisterous, but honestly, I love them
all. They are each worlds I’ve spent many hours in, and the characters become imaginary
people I come to know. Some may be the most unlovable or even evil and heartless.
But they are characters I’ve created, and they tell me the story they want known. I sound crazy
when I hear myself say that aloud, but when I write, I am of that world and sometimes it is
difficult to break away from it and come home.”
Who are Popes favorite authors and creative muses? “I like Stephen King, after forgiving him for ruining the ending of a book I thoroughly enjoyed until the last 1/3, Needful Things. My main influencer is probably Allen Eskens. I also love an indie writer, Clayton Lindemuth.
I would have to say Stephen King has probably influenced my style of writing most. Another obscure author I like is Jack Kerley, and as of late I am enjoying Robyn Harding and Julia Heaberlin!”
Pope Tells us What he Thinks of The Mason Jar Series:
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Tell us your thoughts on the series. “Honestly, it’s as hard a read as it was to write. It has harshness that most people don’t want to think exists in this world. I feel like I’ve opened an ability for people to discuss
and realize a side of this world that people don’t want to talk about.
It’s a story that was born from the protagonists abuse as a child. It represents the problems of mental health, abuse, both physical and sexual, it speaks of serious flaws in this world, and it wrestles with one man’s struggle with his own faith, or lack of it, and comparing himself as being able to judge others and carry out sentences because of the judgments he’s had laid upon him.”
Some final words of advice on writing a novel from the author of this series. “You just have to want to spend the time with it and study it and feel it, let the situation or character you are watching in the distance, talk to your soul.”
I think Eli Pope knows what he’s talking about. In addition to this 6-book series, Pope has also written several more books including: An Anthology from the Padded Room, The Way It Happened, and The Call Home. Under the name Steven G. Bassett, you can find his very first novel, The Waning Crescent.
What’s next for Pope, you ask?
A Cage for Magpie was written as an adaptation of a short story for Fear from the Heartland podcast, which is in final edit and will likely be published end of this year or early next.
If you would like to read Popes books you can find the series HERE. They are available in e-format as well as paperback and audio versions, which are narrated by the rich and enticing voice of Paul J. McSorley.
About the Author
Tricia is a dedicated writer, working towards earning her BA in Creative Writing and English. As an avid reader, Tricia constantly seeks new literary adventures, drawing inspiration from the diverse narratives she encounters. When not immersed in literature, she indulges her passions for painting, hiking, kayaking, and gardening. She also prioritizes spending time with family and her dog, Dove. Using her downtime to paint and explore the outdoors with family and pets is what renews Tricia’s enthusiasm for writing more each day. If you are interested in seeing creative writing content you can check it out here.
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